Paal 21

The Staatsbosbeheer’s (Dutch Forestry Commission) De Muy dune area is no longer influenced by the seawater. The Muyplas is a remnant of an old sea channel but a small dike now separates that area from the salty Sluftervallei. The wet dune valleys are fed by seepage water and rainwater soaking into the soil. De Muy is renowned for its spoonbill colony, the oldest in the Wadden region. Binoculars are handy for spotting birds such as bluethroats, nightingales and various species of meadow birds. Until the last century, De Muy was reclaimed pastureland used by local farmers for sheep farming. You can still see an old sheepfold at the southern tip of the former agricultural enclave 'De Nederlanden'. In De Muy, the Staatsbosbeheer has removed the humus layer of the former meadows, which gives special plant species a chance to thrive. Several species of rare wild orchids grow there, among others. In May and June, you can admire them in full bloom in this area.

• The Bertusnol Circular Walk (blue) is a lovely walk through the dunes of De Muy. The route travels along the foredune to the high Bertusnol. Climb the stairs to the top of the dune and be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view.
• De Muy and Slufterbollen Route (orange) connects the Slufter with the forest near De Koog. You walk along a unique stretch of beach and through a dune area managed by Staatsbosbeheer with high dune tops and freshwater creeks.